Burton Albion's attacking department was always going to be given a boost by the signing of Darren Bent on loan from Derby County last month - and the forward's class was on show in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Ipswich Town.

Bent could, and probably should, have opened the scoring on the 58th minute when John Brayford headed back Bialkowski's goal-kick and the Derby loanee found himself one-on-one with the Ipswich stopper.

Bent showed he still had the pace and ability to shrug off defenders, with Cameron Carter-Vickers unable to match Bent's physicality as he won the tussle for the ball at pace.

The ex-Aston Villa man got into the position he would have wanted, and it required Bialkowski to be at his best - which the keeper was all afternoon - to deny the marksman his first goal in Brewers colours from close range.

Many would have backed Bent to open his account with Nigel Clough's side there and then - but he will not perturbed by what was an excellent save.

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"We've got him, Liam Boyce is getting up to speed and Hope Akpan's not played much, so there's three or four lads out there today who are just catching up."

It is wise not to expect too much of Bent just yet, with the striker having played 135 minutes of football across two matches following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring in pre-season.

It was certainly noticeable that he pointed to the floor on one occasion, imploring his team-mates to play the ball to his feet instead of expecting him to win it in the air.

Firing it up to the centre-forward - something that Albion have done to effect with Lucas Akins as a target man in recent months - is not where Bent thrives.

Clough will look to coach his side to get the best out of their illustrious frontman and provide him with more chances. Jacob Davenport's arrival into the midfield may play its part in that too.

Jacob Davenport helped the Brewers control the game and keep the ball on the floor (Image: Aaron Murrell/Epic Action Imagery)

If Bent can carry on getting into the positions he did on Saturday, chances - and hopefully goals - will come.

For now, the striker is still bedding in and getting used to the Brewers' style of play. But if another opening comes along similar to the gilt-edged opportunity from Portman Road, you'd bet on him to score.